Can they do this?

[danniellabella]

Depends I think - did the couple send the photo in as an announcement or was it in there for some other reason? If the couple sent it in, then it would be ok, but if it was put in by someone else then I would think there would be copyright issues.

The couple sent it in. I knew it was going in, I just would have thought that they would have to put reference to the photographer. Seeing as they didn't, I hope that the photo is destroyed after it goes to print.

[Tinks]

It depends whether the couple bought the copyright rights in their package. If they didn't it is a breach of copyright and against the law.

[danniellabella]

It depends whether the couple bought the copyright rights in their package. If they didn't it is a breach of copyright and against the law.

I did it for them as a favour and have no problem that the photo is in the paper. I had another look and saw that there is a general credit to the newspaper's photographer who does wedding photos. I have emailed a complaint.

[{sarah}]

Yep that sounds fair if there is a general credit which implies your photo belongs to the newspaper's photographer I would complain as well. I would check what will happen with the photo once the paper has finished with it, generally if it's a printed photo it's kept until the person that sent it in comes to collect it. I'm not sure what happens with digita images.

Most times with announcement the photographer doesn't get credit because the couple doesn't secify who it was. Maybe if you do any more weddings ask if you can be credited if they are going to display the photos anywhere?

[danniellabella]

The couple did specify that I took the photo. On the form they filled in to get it into the paper it was actually one of the questions at a mandatory field that had to be filled in which is why both me and the bride are so annoyed that no credit was given. I shall see what response I get from my email to the paper.

[ChrissyT]

Sending your image in to the paper as their announcement would still quality as 'personal use' as far as copyright goes (well, with me it would still classify as personal use).

I personally wouldnt be worried if my name wasn't mentioned, I would feel differently though if it was a feature article on the bride and groom's day.

The issue is the 'implied artistic accreditation' given by having the paper's photog as the only listed name.

I hope the paper will rectify this in the future after your email.

I would make sure in future you have all of this in your Terms and Conditions for the bride and groom to sign, if you havent already

[danniellabella]

In the agreement that I had the couple sign I mentioned that I own the copyright and anything they use the photos for, they must recognise that I was the photographer and not allow anyone else to take credit.